Korean Skincare: AXIS-Y Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum Review
If you’ve been searching for a serum that helps with dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and uneven skin tone, you’ve probably come across the AXIS-Y Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum. I’ve been using this serum for a month now (since the end of August), and today I’m sharing my honest AXIS-Y Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum review on how it worked on my oily and acne-prone skin.
What is the AXIS-Y Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum
According to AXIS-Y, this serum is designed to:
Reduce pigmentation concerns, including dark spots and uneven skin tone
Smooth and brighten skin
Deeply moisturize without heaviness
It contains 5% Niacinamide, which is known for brightening and improving skin tone, plus a blend of botanical ingredients like Calendula, Papaya Fruit, and Sea Buckthorn Fruit. Other key ingredients include:
Rice Bran Extract & Niacinamide: Antioxidant-rich, help improve skin clarity
Plant-derived Squalane: Nourishes skin, absorbs quickly, and leaves a refreshing finish
The serum has a lightweight, cushiony gel-lotion texture that makes it easy to layer in your skincare routine. AXIS-Y also highlights that their products are made specifically for oily and acne-prone skin types, considering changes in climate and seasons.
My Results with the AXIS-Y Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum
As someone with oily, acne-prone skin, I was really curious to see if this serum could help with my post-acne hyperpigmentation. I bought the serum in a small korean skincare products store from Mexico City at the end of August, and decided to try it out for a month.
Texture and Application
The texture is super lightweight and fresh, sinking into the skin immediately without stickiness or flaking. It layers beautifully with other skincare products and leaves behind a subtle glowy finish.
However, I personally dislike the smell. To me, it smells like alcohol when applying. I haven’t seen other people mention this in reviews, so maybe it’s just me, but it’s not my favorite part of the experience.
Results After One Week: Before and After AXIS-Y Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum
Here’s a photo comparison showing how the serum started to fade some of my acne spots and redness after just one week. My skin tone looks a little more even, and the redness from old blemishes calmed down. Some new spots also completely disappeared without leaving any hyperpigmentation.
Long-Term Results After One Month
After a month, I’d say the serum has had a mild but steady effect on my skin. It definitely helps brighten overall tone and slowly fades hyperpigmentation, but it’s not a “miracle” serum that will clear your acne scars overnight. My oldest and darkest spots are still here but it helped clear the newest spots really quickly without leaving any mark on my skin.
I’ve previously used The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%, which gave me faster results, probably because it has a higher concentration. That said, if your skin is sensitive to niacinamide, the 5% in this AXIS-Y serum may be gentler and more suitable for you. This AXIS-Y serum also gives an extra glow + hydration that the ordinary serum does not provide.
Pros and Cons of the AXIS-Y Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum
Pros:
Lightweight, non-sticky formula
Adds a natural glow to skin
Helps even out skin tone over time
Gentle 5% niacinamide (great for sensitive skin types)
Works well for layering with other skincare
Cons:
Smells like alcohol (at least to me)
Results are gradual, not dramatic
May not be strong enough if you have deep hyperpigmentation
Alternatives and Dupes to the AXIS-Y Dark Spot Serum
If you’re curious about other options for treating dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and uneven skin tone, here are some effective alternatives to the AXIS-Y serum:
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% – A budget-friendly option that helps with oiliness, redness, and blemishes while providing a higher dose of niacinamide than AXIS-Y.
- Equal Berry Vitamin Illuminating Serum – Packed with 40% acerola fruit water (rich in vitamin C), 4% niacinamide, squalane, and 2% arbutin, this serum brightens skin and improves overall radiance.
- Good Molecules Discoloration Correcting Serum – Formulated with 3% tranexamic acid to target dark spots and hyperpigmentation, plus 4% niacinamide to brighten and hydrate skin.
- Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum – A cult-favorite for fading dark spots, featuring Viniferine, a natural brightening ingredient derived from grapevine sap that is said to be even more effective than vitamin C. Check out our article to know if the Caudalie Vinoperfect Serum is really worth the price here.
- La Roche-Posay Mela B3 Serum
A dark Spot Corrector With Anti-Aging Melasyl + 10% Niacinamide. Measly visibly reduces persistent dark spots with long-lasting results and targets discoloration while respecting the natural tone of all skin while niacinamide helps fading dark spots when used at high concentrations.
Each of these serums has its own strengths depending on your skin type, budget, and sensitivity level, so it might be worth exploring them if you’re looking for something stronger or more targeted than AXIS-Y.
Final Thoughts: Is the AXIS-Y Dark Spot Serum Worth It?
If you’re looking for a gentle, lightweight serum that gives your skin a healthy glow and helps fade mild hyperpigmentation over time, the AXIS-Y Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum is worth trying.
But if you’re after something more potent and fast-acting for stubborn dark spots, you may need to pair it with other treatments or look for a higher concentration of active ingredients.
For me, this serum was a nice addition to my routine, especially because it feels so fresh and non-sticky on oily skin. It’s not a game-changer, but it does what it says: gradually helps with dark spots and improves skin tone over time with consistent use and it costs only 18$.
